AI robot Raggy arrives in Dorset to tackle ragwort weed
New technology aims to safeguard livestock and enhance farming
Last updated 9th Jun 2026
An advanced AI-powered robot named Raggy has arrived in Dorset, bringing cutting-edge technology to the task of removing ragwort, a weed that poses a risk to the health of horses and livestock. Raggy is designed to efficiently detect and eliminate ragwort, reducing the need for chemical treatments and manual labour.
Ragwort presents significant challenges to farmers and landowners by damaging grazing areas and threatening livestock health. Although typically removed by hand, doing so is costly and labour-intensive, and presents potential risks to people and the environment. Despite these challenges, ragwort plays a role in supporting local wildlife, including essential pollinators like bees and butterflies, necessitating a targeted approach to its removal.
Raggy operates as a fully electric platform equipped for real-life farm conditions, serving as a modular multi-tool capable of various agricultural tasks. Using advanced machine vision technology, Raggy identifies and mechanically extracts ragwort from the root, promoting healthier soils and protecting wildlife habitats.
The robot was developed by South West firm Robotriks, in collaboration with Dorset Council, Telint, and Neutral Networks. It is supported by Qualcomm Incorporated which aims to foster economic and social development through technology.
Final testing will take place at Dorset Innovation Park, a hub for uncrewed systems testing across land, air, and sea. The project's goal is to demonstrate the potential of intelligent technologies to improve farming practices, reduce environmental impact, and ensure the safety of livestock.